Airtel Kenya and ATC Kenya announced a 3-year partnership that will see both companies providing essential internet and education connectivity services to 50 primary schools across Kenya.
The initiative will kick off with a pilot program involving 10 schools. The project involves installing, upgrading and refurbishing ICT labs and classes within the schools, providing monthly data bundles, television sets, laptops and other digital devices to facilitate internet access.
Speaking during the partnership launch at Mihango Primary School in Embakasi, Nairobi, Airtel Kenya Managing Director Mr. Ashish Malhotra said that the project is part of a bigger Airtel initiative aimed at accelerating access to digital learning in primary schools, focusing on rural areas and within hard-to-reach communities.
“We believe access to quality education is a fundamental right for every child. It’s imperative to address challenges hindering learning opportunities. This is why we embrace partnerships to ensure every child has access to essential education, preparing them for a bright future. Additionally, we are expanding our network across Kenya to provide fast and reliable internet to these schools,” Mr. Malhotra explained.
On his part, ATC Kenya CEO Mr. George Odenyo underscored that the project is part of American Tower’s vision of building a more connected world, “It enables us to showcase how we can leverage ATC Kenya’s Digital Communities Program to enhance ICT access and foster partnerships with the communities in which we operate in. ATC Kenya works with its partners to ensure that its Digital Communities are established to equip users with connected spaces that employ the use of technology for digital equity and literacy, as well as career upskilling which are geared towards enhancing the lives of community members.”
As part of the pilot program, teachers will receive training on how to use the technology for teaching, ICT clubs will be established with volunteers’ support, and necessary hardware will be provided, among other activities, which will create a digital platform for learners to improve learning and access to information.
This collaboration between Airtel Kenya and ATC Kenya underscores their commitment to bridging the digital divide while empowering the communities in various sub-sectors such as health, education, security, financial inclusion and connectivity. Internet connectivity, access and its widespread adoption creates pathways to education, career advancement and improved access to vital services thus improving the quality of life of communities.
In 2021 Airtel Africa partnered with UNICEF to connect over 1 million learners in 14 countries across Africa to online learning resources by 2027. Meanwhile, American Tower, through its Digital Communities program has established more than 500 Digital Communities serving more than 600,000 people across 16 countries over the past decade.
